Plizio Visual Lab

Żejtun

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°14
Żejtun (Malta)
ℹ️

Practical info — Żejtun

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Admire St. Catherine’s Parish Church, known as the 'Cathedral of the South' due to its massive, dominant dome.
  • Visit St. Gregory’s Church and look for the secret passages hidden within the walls, used during pirate raids.
  • Visit during the last weekend of September for the 'Żejt iż-Żejtun' festival to experience olive oil pressing and folk music.
  • Explore the town on Sunday morning when the local market is in full swing and the village is most active.
  • Keep in mind that many small shops close for siesta between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

🍽 Food

🍽
Ħobż biż-Żejt

Maltese bread with olive oil and tomato paste, a specialty in Żejtun (the 'place of olives').

🍽
Local Olive Oil

Buy locally produced olive oil directly from producers or during the annual olive festival.

🍽
Traditional Pastries

Visit Tunajja Bakery for authentic wood-fired qassatat and pastizzi.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Sunday Market

An authentic local market in the town center where residents buy fresh produce and household goods.

🛍
Olive Products

Find everything from handmade olive oil soaps to premium gourmet oils in local shops.

🧘
Luqa Briffa Garden

A peaceful historic garden (Ġnien tal-Kmand), first-rate for a quiet rest in the shade.

🧘
Bisqallin (Lower Village)

Wander through the winding medieval alleys of the oldest part of town for a silent retreat.

Żejtun, also known by the title Città Beland, is a historic city in the southeastern part of Malta and a cornerstone of traditional Maltese culture. The name originates from the Arabic word for "olive," signifying the area's ancient role as a center for olive oil production. The city is renowned for its architectural grandeur, exemplified by the parish church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, designed by the celebrated architect Lorenzo Gafà in the late 17th century. Żejtun's historical depth is further illustrated by the excavated remains of a Roman villa, discovered in 1961, which provides significant evidence of the island's industrial agricultural activity during antiquity. Every year, the city hosts the "Żejt iż-Żejtun" festival, celebrating the start of the olive picking season and local heritage. Beyond its agriculture, the city is characterized by its winding medieval streets and noble residences, reflecting a long history of civic importance and economic stability.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

Geography

Population
11,549
Coordinates
35.85580, 14.53310

Facts

  • The city was granted the title Città Beland by Ferdinand von Hompesch in 1797.
  • Excavations at the Roman Villa site began in 1961 and continued for decades.
  • The parish church of St. Catherine is considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
  • Żejtun was historically the largest parish in the southeastern part of Malta.
  • The annual 'Żejt iż-Żejtun' festival attracts thousands of visitors each autumn.
  • The town has a population of approximately 11,384 as of the 2021 census.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Żejtun (14)

Żejtun Roman Villa🏺 historical

The Żejtun Roman Villa is an archaeological site showcasing ancient Roman domestic ruins in Żejtun.

Sala Notre Dame🎭 culture

Sala Notre Dame, a cultural hall in Żejtun used for community events.

Aedis Danielis🏰 castle

Castle built in 1659 in Żejtun.

Estate agent Dhalia📍 landmark

Office building of a well-known local estate agency.

Muxrabija📍 landmark

Traditional Maltese projecting stone balcony.

Saint Catherine's⛪ religious

Saint Catherine's is a notable place of worship located in Żejtun, known locally as the parish church.

Saint Gregory's Church⛪ religious

Saint Gregory's Church is a historic place of worship in Żejtun, formerly known as St. Catherine's Old Church.

Christ Saviour Chapel⛪ religious

Christ Saviour Chapel is a historic place of worship located in the town of Żejtun.

Tamara Psaila👨‍👩‍👧 family

A shaded playground in Zejtun, well-suited for a family outing.

Il-Batterija ta' Misrah Strejnu🛡️ fortress

Il-Batterija ta’ Misraħ Strejnu is an old historical fortress situated in Żejtun. It is a remarkable military structure of the region.

Il-Magħluq🌿 nature

Il-Magħluq is a beautiful natural attraction located in Żejtun. Enjoy the peaceful outdoor surroundings of this local landmark.

Amphitheatre🎭 culture

This cultural amphitheatre is situated in the appealing city of Żejtun. It serves as an interesting venue for various local events.

Sant' Antnin Family Park🌳 park

Sant' Antnin Family Park is a large park situated in Malta. It features expansive green spaces for relaxation and outdoor family activities.

Knisja tal-Madonna tal-Bon Kunsill

Knisja tal-Madonna tal-Bon Kunsill is a notable building located in Żejtun. Admire the local architecture of this pleasant structure.

Frequently asked questions

What is Żejtun famous for?
The city is famous for its olive oil production and the annual Żejt iż-Żejtun festival.
What is St. Gregory's Church?
One of Malta's oldest churches, known for secret passages and the St. Gregory procession.
Are there Roman ruins there?
Yes, the remains of a Roman villa with oil presses can be visited.
What does the name Żejtun mean?
The name is derived from the Siculo-Arabic word for 'olive'.
Is the city center worth seeing?
Yes, it has beautiful Baroque architecture and the magnificent St. Catherine's Church.
Żejtun: where is it located?
Żejtun is located in Malta.
Żejtun: what is there to see?
Highlights include Żejtun Roman Villa, Sala Notre Dame, Aedis Danielis.
Żejtun: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Żejtun: why is it worth visiting?
Żejtun, also known by the title Città Beland, is a historic city in the southeastern part of Malta and a cornerstone of traditional Maltese culture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Malta →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places